Keke Palmer has built a career across multiple genres, but there is one aspect of acting she has avoided.
In a conversation with The Independent, Palmer discussed her hesitation toward nudity in film and television. “Just because I’m so shy and, you know, embarrassed,” she said. “And to know that people are going to be able to have [those scenes] forever? I could never have the confidence to do something like that! I’m not that bold.”
Palmer has often been recognized for her humor and sharp comedic timing. Despite this, she described a different side of herself. “On a deep level, I think I’ve always been the kind of person that’s felt very lonely or had these big emotions,” she said. “And I always say that people who are considered comedians, or people that make people laugh, they’re not necessarily seen as serious. Usually, though, they’re the ones with the deepest feelings of all, and it’s that humor that’s helping them get through.”
Palmer has been acting since childhood. She recalled a moment on the set of The Wool Cap, where her co-star William H. Macy shared advice with her. “He told me, ‘You don’t need to think about the whole movie—you’ve got to take it just one scene at a time.’” She applies this approach beyond acting.
She is now preparing for The Burbs, a mystery-comedy series for Peacock. The show is based on the 1989 film starring Tom Hanks and follows a couple whose lives change when a new neighbor arrives, revealing long-buried secrets.
Palmer leads a cast that includes Jack Whitehall, Julia Duffy, Paula Pell, and Mark Proksch. Haley Joel Osment, RJ Cyler, Justin Kirk, Kyrie McAlpin, Danielle Kennedy, and Randy Oglesby have joined the production in recurring roles.
Celeste Hughey is writing and executive producing the series. Palmer, Rachel Shukert, and Nzingha Stewart are also executive producers, with Stewart directing the first episode. The series is being developed under Universal Content Productions, with Seth MacFarlane, Erica Huggins, and Aimee Carlson producing.
Filming will take place at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, the same site where the original movie was shot.
